Blackstone LaunchPad

LaunchPad advances career mobility through skill-building and internships. Open to all first generation and low-income college students, the program partners with higher education institutions and mission-aligned nonprofits to train students in key career skills, then gives them access to paid internships at Blackstone, Blackstone portfolio companies and startups.

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Career Skills and Exposure

In partnership with higher education institutions and mission-aligned nonprofits, we support students with essential career-building opportunities through skill development, exposure, and access to hundreds of paid internships across Blackstone’s network.

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How it works

Internships and Professional Development

Group of LaunchPad Participants

Internships

Eligible students are invited to apply to LaunchPad’s curated list of internships, which span across finance, engineering, data science, project management, marketing, sales and more. Roles are available at Blackstone and Blackstone portfolio companies, as well as startups and small businesses through our network of nonprofits.

Professional Development

During their summer internships, students benefit from an engaging professional development series featuring skill-building workshops, inspiring speakers, and valuable networking opportunities. LaunchPad helps students excel from day one by bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, while building social capital to open doors to future opportunities, foster meaningful professional relationships, and support long-term career growth.

Our Partners

These nonprofit partners help train students in career-readiness skills and connect them with our network of resources including internships, mentorship and other career support.

These nonprofit and academic partners provide the infrastructure for internships through their portfolio and/or regional network.

Hear From the Students

“What an eye-opening experience. I grew as a student, leader and professional simultaneously – this was truly a summer of evolving. I am beyond grateful for all of the hands-on training and technical skills I attained in my field, as well as the network and support of peers I gained. Thank you for an outstanding and unparalleled summer with long-lasting memories and lessons learned!”

– Social media intern at HBCU Founders Initiative portfolio company Adaya Beauty, student at Clark Atlanta University

“Blackstone LaunchPad blends real-world exposure into industries with opportunities for professional development. [The skills training] emphasizes an innovative approach toward problems, reinforcing that novel solutions can emerge when combining creativity, strategic thinking and tenacity. It’s an invaluable blueprint for success that will remain instrumental throughout my career.”

– Philanthropy intern at the Gray Foundation, student at Baruch College

“I had a great time at Centric Brands, a Blackstone portfolio company. I was able to apply everything I learned in school in a professional setting, where my colleagues were so supportive and collaborative and answered any questions we had. My project group won the Capstone Project with our research on AI and its integration within the company – this was the cherry on top.”

– Accounting intern at Blackstone portfolio company Centric Brands, student at College of Staten Island